Whether you call Him Lord Krishna or Govinda, it’s all the same, and His birth, known as Janmashtami worldwide, falls on 26th of August this year, 2024. It is a lively festival that fills the atmosphere or the social setting on the day of celebration with enthusiasm, fostering a sense of success, prosperity, bonding, happiness, and even a sense of friendliness (His selfless friendly bonding with Sudama). With the celebration of Lord Krishna’s birthday, you would invite miraculous blessings into your life because He is Himself a miracle who achieved many divinely related achievements during His time—Dvapara Yug.
When Is Happy Janmashtami Actually Celebrated?
As for the celebration, Lord Krishna’s birthday occurs every year on the Ashtami Tithi, the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. The eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, His birth date during the mid-night of Tithi (waning moon), is considered highly auspicious and prosperous, as per Hindu calender. On this auspicious day, Lord Krishna Janmashtami, devotees around the world worship a charming and beautiful baby idol known as Laddu Gopal or Bal Gopal.
On this particular eve, people observe fasting, offer prayers and worship, and arrange various religious rituals. As a matter of fact, this festival marks the beginning of the divine appearance of Lord Govinda, the incarnation of God Vishnu, holding immense spiritual significance in the lives of Hindus.
Rasleela, Friendship with Gopis, and the Significance of Janmashtami Festivities
Whenever we think of Lord Krishna, the image of Rasleela immediately comes to mind, and without a mention of it, any discussion remains incomplete, including a post such as this. What used to be in Rasleela was that when Lord Govinda played the flute in the forest while having His cows grazed, all the Gopis would leave their domestic chores and join Him for a divine dance in the Vrindavan.
This is how, with this Janmashtami 2024, we will remember Him for His playful involvement with Gopis and stealing their clothes while those cowherdesses were in the river taking baths.
His birthday celebrations also take us back to His time when He, still as a baby, got victory over a demon (Putana, Bakasura, and Aghasura) sent by His own cruel uncle named Kansa. He killed all of them. In another miraculous achievement, He overpowered or subjugated Kaliya, the most poisonous serpent, in Yamuna river.
Again, in another miraculous accomplishment, He lifted Govardhan Mountain, protecting the people of Gokul from the anger of God Indra who had showered downpours of rain. All these incidents and miracles reflect the significant role of Lord Krishna as the divine guardian of humankind, showcasing the true representation of Lord Vishnu, and therefore we joyfully celebrate Krishna Janmashtami.
Another important mention we cannot forget is His divine friendship with Sudama. Their friendship was based on the selfless, friendly bonding they had maintained since their childhood. Considering all these miraculous events as well as His selfless friendship with Sudama, it reflects that He was indeed divine in His true physical form on Earth, and that is why it is significant that we celebrate His birthday, each of us seeking His blessings for prosperity, success, protection, and happiness.
Conclusion
When you celebrate the birthday of your beloved God—Krishna Janmashtami—may you cherish and experience the joy and divine love that Lord Krishna provides! With His teachings so inspiring, you can transform your life and live a more meaningful life, reflecting devotion, kindness, friendliness, and modesty/calmness. With His divine blessings, you will notice that your life will be filled with a sense of happiness, peace, and prosperity.
Celebrate this Janmashtami with enthusiasm and piousness, and enhance the level of happiness and prosperity in your life!